Court Says Industrial Board Supervisor Can’t Extend Partial Disability Benefits

SPOKANE, Wash. — Washington’s Court of Appeals has reversed an extension of partial permanent disability benefits for a former Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) worker, ruling that the statute relied on doesn’t allow for extensions once a permanent partial disability case is closed.

On Oct. 31, the Court of Appeals, Division III, reversed a ruling in favor of petitioner Donald Slaugh in an industrial insurance case, finding that the Industrial Board Supervisor’s unilateral authority to grant benefit extensions applies only in cases of permanent total disability.

The ruling depended largely on the court’s interpretation of RCW 51.36.010 (1986) and the placement of …